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Wheezing
What is wheezing?
Wheezing is described as a high-pitched whistling sound made when air flows through narrowed airways in the lungs. Wheezing usually occurs when people breathe out.
Wheezing Symptoms
- Tight, noisy breathing during exhalation.
- Wheezing lasts as long as the airways are too tight.
- The origin of the wheezing will determine the duration it will last for.
Causes of wheezing
- Asthma
- Exposure to allergens (substances that cause a person to have an allergic reaction)
- Fumes such as gas and smoke
- Ice-cold drinks and very cold air
- Viral infections
- Respiratory infections
- Smoking
- Strenuous exercise and running
- Change in weather
- Cystic Fibrosis and other genetic disorders
- Respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis and congestive heart failure
- Irritation on the respiratory organs
- Acid reflux
- Some medications
- Inhalation of unknown objects trapped in the airway such as dust or smoke
Diagnosis
- A physician or allergist will ask you for your full medical history that includes questions about allergies and the cause of your symptoms.
- A stethoscope is used to detect wheezing. Stethoscope is an instrument used to listen to sounds in the body.
- A blood test may be taken as part of the physical examination.
- A lung functionary test may be performed.
- An x-ray is sometimes recommended for patients who have severe symptoms.
Treatment
- Bronchodilator medicines are used to tighten the throat muscles to stop vibrations.
- Drinking liquids may be treatment for mild wheezing.
- A vaporizer spray for the blocked airways.
- Wheezing caused by asthma can be treated by medications to relieve the narrowed airways.
- The use of antibiotics treats infections of the respiratory organs.
- When a patient experience difficulty in breathing, he/she may need to be hospitalized to be monitored closely.
Recommendations
- Do not drink ice-cold drinks.
- Seek medical attention when you notice symptoms related to wheezing.
- Reduce your stress levels.
- Stop smoking.
- Eat healthy, drink lots of water and exercise regularly.
- Do not confuse asthma with wheezing.
- Wheezing is often caused by respiratory infections, so monitor and treat infections immediately.
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